Why are nutritional needs particularly high during infancy?

Nutritional needs are particularly high during infancy primarily due to the rapid growth and development that occurs in this stage of life. Infants experience a significant increase in their body weight and length during the first year, which requires a substantial amount of calories and nutrients to support this growth.

This period also demands a large supply of essential nutrients—such as protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals—to facilitate brain development, organ function, and overall bodily systems. For example, the brain grows remarkably in the first year, reaching about 60% of its adult size, which highlights the critical need for nutrients that support cognitive development.

While physical activity might increase as infants become more mobile, it is not the primary reason for their high nutritional demands at this stage. The transition to solid foods and the introduction of allergenic foods do present important aspects of infant nutrition, but they are part of the broader context of growth and development rather than the primary drivers of increased nutritional needs.